What is a contract said to be if it becomes impossible to perform?

A contract is referred to as "frustrated" when it becomes impossible to perform due to unforeseen events that fundamentally change the nature of the contract. This concept is rooted in contract law, specifically in the doctrine of frustration which determines that if an unexpected circumstance arises, rendering the performance of the contract impossible or illegal, the contractual obligations may be discharged.

Frustrated contracts typically do not involve a fault from either party; they are often due to significant events that were not anticipated by the parties at the time the contract was formed. For instance, if a natural disaster destroys a venue that both parties relied upon for the fulfillment of the contract, the performance becomes impossible, and the contract is considered frustrated.

Understanding this concept is critical in contract law because it impacts the rights and obligations of the parties involved. If a contract is frustrated, the parties may be relieved of their duties without liability for breach, as they could not have reasonably foreseen or prevented the frustrating event. This is distinct from a breach of contract, where one party fails to fulfill its obligations without valid cause.

In contrast, termination refers to a voluntary decision to end a contract, and anticipatory breach denotes a situation where one party indicates they will not fulfill their future contractual obligations. Hence